Voice of the people (letter).

`Violent' Jewelry

July 02, 1993|By Kelly Michaels.

CHICAGO — I read your June 22 front page story on "jewelry to die for," and just became more and more appalled by the selfish rationalizations made by the jewelers interviewed. I can't believe that people of conscience can sell such self-destructive and violent adornments to children, especially when they hear where the money is coming from.

Yes, to all three questions raised: It is drug money; it does glorify gangs and violence, and yes, they are exploiting kids! And especially to Karen Rabe and those like her who try to rationalize what they are doing: No! It is not like selling cigarettes. With cigarettes you buy them, you smoke them, you kill yourself. But gangs kill others, often innocent bystanders.